Dining at Barbican Centre

A flexible dining and networking space with city views in a Brutalist arts centre.

From: £5500 per person

Capacity: Up to 300 guests

Business at Plaisterers’ Hall

A versatile neoclassical Livery Hall in central London, suitable for various events, from receptions to exhibitions.

From: £110 per person

Capacity: Up to 200 guests

Business at Puttshack Bank

From: £7000 per person

Capacity: Up to 220 guests

Weddings at The Refinery City Point

From: £5000 per person

Capacity: Up to 250 guests

Dining at Malmaison London

From: £5000 per person

Capacity: Up to 250 guests

Events at Core Bar

A versatile lounge with private bar and music, ideal for parties or corporate events. Capacity: 250.

From: £500 per person

Capacity: Up to 250 guests

Dining at Café Rouge St Pauls

A spacious venue with stunning St Paul's views, ideal for large lunches, dinners, and private events.

From: £2000 per person

Capacity: Up to 200 guests

How much per head is a 200-guest Barbican Christmas party?

For a 200-person Christmas party in Barbican, budget £60–£100 per head for a basic buffet with soft drinks, £100–£150 per head for a three-course meal and house wine, and £150–£175+ per head for premium menus with cocktails. Expect minimum spends of £15k–£30k, plus a 20% deposit and 10–12% service charge.

What are the licensing hours for Christmas parties in Barbican venues?

Most indoor Barbican venues licence events until midnight Sun–Thurs and 1 am Fri–Sat. Sound levels must drop after 11 pm. A late-licence extension to 2 am can be negotiated with an extra £500–£1,000 fee and must be cleared 8 weeks in advance with the City Corporation.

How close are Barbican party venues to public transport?

Nearly all Barbican venues are within a 5-minute walk of Barbican station (Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan lines). Moorgate (Circle, H&C, Metropolitan, Northern) is 7 minutes on foot. Liverpool Street station (Central, H&C, Elizabeth, National Rail) is 10–12 minutes away. Taxis can wait on Aldersgate St; limited parking encourages public transport use.

How to ensure accessibility for all at a 200-guest Barbican party?

Confirm step-free access, lift dimensions (min 1.4×2.1 m), hearing-loop system, accessible WCs and wide aisles (≥1.2 m). Provide printed menus with large-print options and allocate ground-floor or lift-adjacent tables. Inform your venue of any specific needs at least 4 weeks before the event.

What entertainment suits a 200-person Barbican Christmas party?

Popular options: live jazz trio (£1,200–£1,500), DJ (from £600), photo booth (£400–£700), and interactive stations (cocktail making from £800). For ice-breaker fun, hire a quiz host (£300) or magicians (£400–£800). Always confirm power requirements and space (3×3 m minimum).

What primary insurance do I need for a 200-guest Barbican Christmas party?

You require public liability cover of minimum £5 million, employers’ liability (£10 million) if employing staff, and non-appearance cover for entertainers. Confirm your venue’s hirer agreement; some halls ask for cancellation insurance (up to 20% of the hire fee).

What AV facilities come with a Barbican Christmas party?

Most Barbican party spaces include a PA system (2,000 W), wired and wireless mics (2–4), HDMI projector (5,000 lumens) or LED screen (3×2 m), basic stage lighting (4 bars), and a control desk. Check if in-house technician time is included or if external hire (£250–£500/day) is required for live mixing or complex layouts.

How far in advance should I book a Barbican Christmas party for 200?

For peak dates (late Nov–20 Dec), secure your Barbican venue at least 6–9 months prior. January and early December can be booked 3–4 months ahead with more flexibility. A 20% deposit locks the date, with final guest numbers due 6 weeks before the event.

What catering packages suit 200 guests in Barbican?

Typical packages range: buffet only (£60–£80/head), two-course sit-down (£80–£110/head), three-course with drinks (£100–£150/head). All include staffed stations, crockery, glassware and non-alcoholic drinks. Vegan or allergy-friendly menus add £5–£10/head. Ensure a 10% service charge is included in quotes.

Which seating layouts work best for 200 in a Barbican hall?

For 200 guests: round tables (10 tables of 20 chairs) need 250 sqm; theatre style (+dancefloor) needs 300 sqm. Cabaret (6–8 per table) improves networking; banquet (10 per table) maximises capacity. Always leave 1.2 m aisles for ease of service and access.